El Vaquero – Mexican
El Vaquero invites guests into a lively, spirited atmosphere where the rhythmic crunch of golden chips meets the indulgent pull of bubbling, shrimp-studded queso fundido. Tables overflow with vibrant shared plates, from crisp avocado rollitos to towering piles of nachos layered with savory chorizo and melted cheese. It is a destination built for celebration, where bold spices and communal dining create a festive experience that captures the soulful, social heart of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
3230, Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH, 43202 +16142610900 https://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/0Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at El Vaquero
Dairy-Free at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 12 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Vallarta Fajitas and Sirloin Steak Fajitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 9 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Vallarta Fajitas and Sirloin Steak Fajitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 24 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Avocado Rollitos, Guacamole and Fried Ice Cream. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 8 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vallarta Fajitas, Sirloin Steak Fajitas and Marinated Chicken. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 4 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sirloin Steak Fajitas, Marinated Chicken and Jamaica Water. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 6 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vallarta Fajitas, Sirloin Steak Fajitas and Marinated Chicken. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sirloin Steak Fajitas and French Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at El Vaquero
El Vaquero in Columbus has 11 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, French Fries and Salsa Tres Amigos. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at El Vaquero
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Molcajete Ranchero | 8.1 g | 89.1 g |
| Taco Salad | 0 g | 76.6 g |
| Queso Fundido with Shrimp | 17.5 g | 53 g |
| Carnitas Nachos | 23.1 g | 52.6 g |
| Vaquero Salad | 8.2 g | 49.6 g |
| Guadalajara Salad | 76.4 g | 43.9 g |
| Fajita Nachos | 104.6 g | 43 g |
| Crazy Fries | 28.9 g | 29.5 g |
| Vegetable Fajitas | 126.7 g | 27.4 g |
| Vallarta Fajitas | 8.7 g | 26.9 g |
| Sirloin Steak Fajitas | 0 g | 26 g |
| Fiesta Salad | 52.9 g | 21.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Appetizers
- Avocado Rollitos - $12.39: Two deep-fried small rollitos filled with black bean corn salsa, cheese, and avocado, served with lettuce and chipotle dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bean Nachos - $9.89: Fried beans and cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carnitas Nachos - $12.19 Dietary tags: High-Protein, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chorizo Nachos - $12.19 Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fajita Nachos - $14.89: Grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mexican Lettuce Wraps - $14.29: Sweet and spicy marinated chicken served with lettuce wraps, topped with fresh feta cheese and cilantro Available at: dinner, lunch
- Queso Fundido with Shrimp - $14.99: Grilled shrimp, onions, mushrooms, poblano peppers, and melted cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spinach Cheese Dip - $8.59 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheese Dip - $4.59: Creamy dip made from melted cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salsa Tres Amigos - $3.79: Roasted tomatoes with roasted jalapeños, green tomatillo with onions, cilantro, and jalapeño, green tomatillo with red chile de árbol Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bean Dip - $7.99: Refried beans and cheese dip Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Queso Fundido with Chorizo - $9.99: Grilled Mexican pork sausage and melted cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- Guacamole - $4.49 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Trio Dip - $12.19: Guacamole dip, bean dip, and cheese dip Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corn on the Cob - $3.99: Mayonnaise, cotija cheese, Tajin and lime Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corn Ribs - $9.99: Breaded and covered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, Tajin and lime Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crazy Fries - $12.99: French fries with cheese sauce, onion, cilantro and choice of protein Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups & Salads
- Tropical Salad - $14.99: Romaine, gourmet greens, pineapple, mango, black corn salsa, feta cheese, tomato, with grilled shrimp Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Taco Salad - $12.99: Crispy flour shell, cheese sauce, lettuce, sour cream, tomato. Beef or Chicken Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vaquero Salad - $13.19: Romaine, gourmet greens, black bean corn salsa, roasted green, red peppers, tortilla strips. With marinated chicken Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Azteca Soup - $5.59: Chicken broth, shredded chicken, and tortilla strips Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fiesta Salad - $13.19: Romaine, gourmet greens, black bean corn salsa, feta cheese, tomatoes, tortilla strips. With diced grilled chicken Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Guadalajara Salad - $13.19: Romaine, gourmet greens, roasted green, red peppers, black bean corn salsa, Monterey jack, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, avocado, tortilla strips. With grilled chicken Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pozole Soup - $5.59: Chicken broth, shredded chicken, pico de gallo, hominy Available at: dinner, lunch
- House Salad - $6.49: Romaine, gourmet greens, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, tortilla strips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Marinated Chicken - $18.39: Grilled marinated chicken breast cooked with onions and mushrooms, covered with Monterey mixed cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ranchero Chicken - $18.39: Grilled chicken strips sautéed on creamy red sauce. Served with tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada - $24.19: Grilled sirloin steak. Served with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole salad, pico de gallo, and tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak Ranchero - $26.59: Grilled rib-eye steak covered with ranchero sauce. Served with Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole salad, and tortillas Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail - $22.49: 12 Boiled shrimps with avocado, lime juice, pico de gallo, and homemade sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tilapia San Lucas - $19.59: Grilled fish tilapia. Served with brown Mexican rice, broccoli coleslaw, pico de gallo, guacamole, chipotle sauce, tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carnitas - $20.49: Delicious roasted pork tips. Served with guacamole salad, pico de gallo, rice, beans, tortillas, and a special mango and pineapple sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Molcajete Ranchero - $27.29: Grilled shrimp, sirloin steak, grilled chicken, and Mexican sausage cooked with onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and a special red sauce with melted Monterrey cheese Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Fajitas
- Shrimp Fajitas - $27.29 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sirloin Steak Fajitas - $22.99 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vallarta Fajitas - $22.99: Sirloin steak, chicken and shrimp Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Carnitas Fajita - $21.99 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Fajitas - $21.49 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetable Fajitas - $16.19: Grilled fresh mushrooms, red, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Tacos
- Tacos Al Pastor - $15.29: Marinated pork in special sauce, onions, cilantro, lime, and tomatillo hot sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesabirria Tacos - $16.69: Slow roasted beef barbecue with guajillo sauce, onions, cilantro, lime, and tomatillo hot sauce. With mozarella cheese and beef broth Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Tacos - $15.29: Fish tacos, broccoli coleslaw, chipotle sauce, and lime Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- French Fries - $2.79 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mexican Rice - $2.99 Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Refried Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tortillas - $1.29: Flour or corn Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, dinner, lunch
- Pico De Gallo - $1.39 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Avocado - $3.29 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Churros - $6.09: Sweet strip of fried dough dusted with sugar and cinnamon, covered in chocolate syrup and whipped cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Flan - $5.49: Creamy caramel sauce over a silky custard Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Sopapilla - $4.49: Fried flour tortilla, with honey, butter, and cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Xangos Cheesecake - $6.29: Creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla fried golden Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Fried Ice Cream - $5.79: Ice cream rolled in corn flakes and cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Three Milks Cake - $6.99: A sponge cake steeped in three kinds of milk Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Fountain Drinks - $3.49: Coke, diet coke, fanta orange, sprite, mellow yellow, root beer, iced tea, lemonade Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Milk - $3.69
- Juices - $3.59
- Mexican Bottled Soda - $3.59: Jarritos, Sangria, Sidral, and Coca-Cola Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Red Bull - $4.79
- Horchata - $3.69: Refreshing blend of rice, almonds, and cinnamon
- Jamaica Water - $3.69: Drink made from dried hibiscus flowers Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Lime Margarita - $7.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Flavored Margarita - $8.99
Frequently Asked Questions about El Vaquero
- Is El Vaquero dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. El Vaquero has 12 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Vallarta Fajitas and Sirloin Steak Fajitas.
- What can I eat at El Vaquero on a dairy-free diet?
- Guacamole, Vallarta Fajitas and Sirloin Steak Fajitas carry the dairy-free tag, out of 12 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does El Vaquero have vegan options?
- Yes. 11 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Guacamole and French Fries.
- Is El Vaquero gluten-free?
- 9 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at El Vaquero?
- Molcajete Ranchero, at roughly 89.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near El Vaquero
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- Barrio — Mexican
- Boom Boom Tacos, Tequila & Mezcal — Mexican
- Condado Tacos — Mexican
- Bakersfield — Mexican
- Agave & Rye — Mexican
- Dos Hermanos — Mexican
- Gata Mágica Café and Lounge — Mexican
- Tortilla Street Food — Mexican
- Plantain Café — Mexican
- Sí Señor — Mexican
- Sí Señor — Mexican
